Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the International Investment Agreements Section of the Division on Investment and Enterprise, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Economics Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of the International Investment Agreements Section, Head of a Branch or Unit or to a Senior Economics Affairs Officer.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Economic Affairs Officer will perform the following duties:

Economic or sector analysis:
• Monitors economic developments in international investment policies and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations (UNCTAD).
• Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to foreign direct investment policy and sustainable development.
• Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions.
• Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on international investment agreements and development issues.
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support:
• Provides substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Trade and Development Board, the Commission on Investment, Enterprise and Development and the subsidiary bodies of each).
• Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings.

Technical cooperation:
• Designs and monitors technical cooperation projects.
• Designs and conducts studies in the area of international investment policy and draft resulting (advisory) reports.
• Undertakes missions to member states, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of the Organization’s technical cooperation activities.
• Prepares global, regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on international investment policy and sustainable development issues.
• Conducts training seminars and workshops for government officials and others.
• Formulates technical modalities for the evaluation of individual technical cooperation projects.

General:
• Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback.
• Participates in intra- and inter-Departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit.
• Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s service.
• Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to apply pertinent theories and concepts to the analysis of international investment policy and sustainable development, and in particular on international investment agreements-related issues. Ability to conduct independent research on the topic, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources.

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in international investment issues.

Languages

Fluency in English and French, (both oral and written) is required; Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.